As the temperature begins to get colder here in Bedford PA. it is time to start thinking about making sure that your vehicle is ready for the colder weather. Cold weather seems to effect everything a little differently, your car is no different. Liquids such as antifreeze and oil behave differently as the temperatures begin to drop it is important to note a few useful tips to make sure that your car is ready for the harsh Bedford, PA. winters that we sometimes experience.
It’s cool to be warm
The cooling system for your car, especially during the cold weather, is a very important component to make sure is working properly. As water circulates through your engine it helps regulate the temperature by removing heat that is created from the internal friction of your engine. Antifreeze is added to the water to help manipulate the boiling and freezing temperatures to aid in the regulation of the temperature of the water. If the mixture is not correct, or the level is too low, this delicate balance of temperature will not be correct and can cause mechanical failure.
NOTE: Be sure to get your antifreeze level checked and changed regularly.
Using a hydrometer, a certified master technician at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. can determine if your cooling system has the proper amount of antifreeze for the temperature. Changing the antifreeze regularly is also important as antifreeze, over a period of time, will begin to congeal (like a thick slime) and clog the small water passages within your radiator, heater core, thermostat, water pump and heater control valve. If performed on a regular basis (every three years or 36,000 miles) simply replacing the coolant in your vehicle is sufficient to help keep everything clean and circulating properly; however, if a lapse in the services exists, or you don’t know when it was last done, we recommend to have the system flushed, cleaned and properly filled to help make sure that your cooling system is working properly.
The heater is part of the system
Because the heater core is furthest away from the water pump it is susceptible to cooling systems that have not been properly maintained (because of the decrease in water flow). When your heater control valve or heater core is not functioning properly, it cannot circulate the warm water from your engine into the cabin of your vehicle. Because antifreeze also contains a rust inhibitor, vehicles running with insufficient amounts of antifreeze or straight water will find themselves with rusted and leaking components. Now you begin to see how important it is to help keep your vehicle maintained for cooler weather, it’s not just of the cooling performance of the engine but the fact that your heating system is an integral part of the engine cooling system; and on cold Bedford PA. day… that could mean a lot.
Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221
Oil changes
Because oil viscosity is effected by ambient temperature (see article on oil change info) it is important to make sure that you were vehicle oil changes are up-to-date during the winter months. (actually, all the time) In extreme cold situations it may be recommended for certain vehicles to run a thinner weight of oil to help offset extreme cold situations. Make sure to check with your automotive maintenance expert at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. to see if you need to change the viscosity of your oil for the operating conditions of your vehicle.
You need to get a grip
When road surfaces change it may be necessary to utilize different types of tires to make sure that your vehicle can get you where you need to go. All season radial tires will work for most of the driving conditions that we find here in the Bedford PA. area; however, many areas and homes do not have paved roads that have been cleared by state operated snowplows requiring vehicles and tires that have been built for these types of road conditions. We highly recommend speaking with the automotive professionals here at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. to see if a more aggressive tire (mud and snow tire) may be necessary to help get you where you need to go.
Wipe that smile ON your face
Windshield wipers are one of those things that we never think about until we need them. Even if you have brand-new windshield wipers they can, and probably will, stick to your windshield during extreme cold or snowy conditions. There are quite a few things that you can do to help prevent damaging your wipers:
- The night before, hinge your wiper arms up so that the wipers are not touching the windshield
- For vehicles that do not have that capability (because the wipers are recessed) slide a piece of cardboard between the wiper and the windshield.
- Install snow wipers. This type of windshield wiper uses a thicker, wider rubber contact patch that is less likely to tear if they stick to your windshield. They are also better at moving wet snow off the windshield.
- Avoid de-icing chemicals. Use these only in an emergency. These chemicals can damage the paint finish of your vehicle if used excessively.
- Avoid Using Hot Water. While this might seem practical it can crack the windshield on older vehicles. (sometimes newer ones too) Not to mention the melted ice and snow will immediately refreeze if the temperatures are below freezing, creating a thin layer that may be more difficult to remove.
Thinking ahead: Always try to clear your windshield using a scraper tool or brush. Never use your windshield wipers to move heavy amounts of snow from your windshield. Most modern wiper motors use plastic gears that were not designed to do much more than wipe water from your windshield. By placing wiper motors under such a heavy load it can easily create an expensive repair, not to mention not being able to see where you’re going when it breaks.
When Experience Counts
Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your main source for vehicle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Our ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road year around. Because we are a Napa certified repair facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that the repairs performed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are backed with quality Napa parts and our nationwide warranty. Be sure to check with our automotive experts on best tips and practices to keep your car in Bedford PA. running its best.
Useful Links
Learn more about the services provided at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here
Read more on the importance of oil changes for your Bedford PA. vehicle – Click Here
